All the tips and tricks needed to shape up for 2009. Each day brings new, expert advice on how to look your best and live life to the fullest, while having a little fun doing it.

Clothes

Day

31

Demystifying Shirt Measurements

Your dress shirts really shouldn't come in standard sizes like small, medium or large. But when your shirt tag looks like a lottery ticket—15 , 32/33—it can be a bit confusing. This isn't the time to guesstimate. The numbers are precise measurements, so make sure you're sized up correctly. Below, how to ensure a perfect fit.

Neck

While you can simply measure the circumference of your neck, a safer bet would be to take a shirt that fits you well and record the length from the collar button around to the tip of the buttonhole.

Sleeve

Bend your arm into a 90-degree angle. Start measuring from the middle of your back (just below your neck), across your shoulder and down over your elbow to your wrist.

FYI

Some shirts, especially American ones with "athletic" or slimmer cuts, will list a waist size as well.